TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - For busy families, making the time to be
physically active can seem like an extra 'to do' on a never-ending list
of obligations. But did you know that active play can create some of
the most memorable quality time a family has together? With the 2014
Olympic Winter Games about to begin, real-life athletes from around the
world will soon inspire adults, kids and teens alike to get up and get
moving.

But who inspired these athletes to get active? Were they born this way?
Surprisingly, no. All of the 2014 Coca-Cola Canada Athletes credit
their families with instilling a passion for active living in them.
This is something we can all share.

"At a young age I was very involved in a number of sports and I truly
believe that being active at such a young age has allowed me to achieve
the success and discipline needed to compete and perform at a high
level," says World Champion figure skater, Patrick Chan. Four-time
Olympic medalist, short track speed skater, Marianne St-Gelais concurs:
"I'd encourage everyone to spend as much quality active time with their
families as they can. In my experience, it only brings a family closer
together."

For professional hockey player Steven Stamkos, he appreciates the other
benefits that being active gave him. "I can't thank my parents enough
for getting me involved in sports at such a young age," he says. "For
me, after being in school all day, it was something I looked forward
to; having fun with my friends and trying new things, which I think in
the end has made me a better hockey player."

2014 Coca-Cola Canada Athlete Active Living Tips

Keep it simple.
Don't make getting active a big deal - just make it a habit (and have
fun with it!). The more active you are, the more you will want to be
active.

Do something - anything - every day.
Hit the gym? Great, but even playing in the snow or going for a walk
with friends counts, too.

Indoor organized activities mean year-round fun!
Don't let the cold weather slow you down. Find out about local (and
often inexpensive) community activities and get involved. Everyone can
benefit from - and enjoy - organized play.

Find outdoor cold-weather activities that warm your heart.
Skating is a great example of an outdoor activity and one that is often
well-lit in the evening. Skating rinks are a great place to socialize
(or even have a date!). Alternatively, bundle up and enjoy a walk in
the crisp winter weather.

Make active living choices together.
Let everyone in your family or group of friends take turns picking an
activity - and get creative!

"Being active together was always a big part of our family when Steven
was young," says Lesley Stamkos, Steven's mother. "It is so easy to
get wrapped up in everyday hectic schedules of work and school and
other distractions. It was important for us to make sure that we were
also taking care of ourselves and making the time to be active."

"The 2014 Olympic Winter Games get us all thinking about the amazing
things we can do if we set our minds and bodies to it," says Nicola
Kettlitz, President, Coca-Cola Ltd. "Getting active can be about so
much more than just exercise. It's the perfect opportunity for busy
families and friends to spend quality time together."

For weight management, it's important to keep in mind that all calories
count, no matter what food or beverage they come from.

You can show all of Canada what our Canadian Olympic athletes have
inspired you to do on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag
#inspiredto. Visit coca-cola.ca/olympics during the Games to see your message of support on an interactive map
of Canada.

Steven Stamkos is a Canadian professional hockey player, selected first
overall in the 2008 draft. As a professional he has won many awards,
including the league scoring title twice.

Marianne St-Gelais, Short Track Speed Skating (St-Félicien, Quebec):

Marianne St-Gelais won two silver medals at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic
Winter Games in the 500m and 3,000m relay. She has also won five World
Championship medals in her sport, and was named Speed Skating Canada's
Female Short Track Skater of the Year in 2010 and 2011.

About Coca-Cola Canada
Coca-Cola in Canada operates in all ten provinces, and employs 6,300
people in more than 50 facilities, including seven production
facilities across Canada. We offer a wide variety of beverage brands,
many of which come in no-calorie and low-calorie options. These
beverages include sparkling soft drinks, still waters, juices and fruit
beverages, sports drinks, energy drinks and ready-to-drink teas. We're
proud to offer some of the most popular brands in Canada including
Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coca-Cola Zero®, Sprite®, Fanta®, Nestea®,
PowerAde®, Minute Maid®, Dasani® and vitaminwater®. Coca-Cola in Canada
is represented by Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada and Coca-Cola Ltd. For
more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.livepositively.ca or www.cocacola.ca and follow us on Twitter @cocacolaco_ca.